On March 11, 2025, gunmen attacked a hotel in central Somalia, leading to a siege where at least four people were killed. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility, asserting they had killed more than ten individuals. Local officials were reportedly meeting to discuss countermeasures against the group. The incident emphasizes the ongoing violence and instability in Somalia as government forces engage with militants.
On March 11, 2025, gunmen launched an attack on a hotel in central Somalia, where local elders and government officials had gathered. Witnesses reported a siege at the location, which has left at least four fatalities, as stated by Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker from Beledweyne. Government forces have since engaged in efforts to remove the Al Shabaab militants, with some of the attackers reported killed in surrounding areas.
The militant group Al Shabaab has declared responsibility for the assault, claiming to have killed more than ten individuals. Abdullahi Fidow, a clan elder in Beledweyne, shared that the meeting aimed to strategize against Al Shabaab’s influence in the region. He mentioned, “I was supposed to attend the meeting but got delayed because I was busy with a family issue. The blasts occurred before I reached the hotel.”
Al Shabaab, linked to Al Qaeda, regularly conducts bombings and armed assaults in Somalia, seeking to overthrow the government and impose their version of Islamic Sharia law. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with Ali Suleiman, a nearby shopkeeper, recalling, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.”
Additional accounts from locals such as Halima Nur noted persistent gunfire throughout the siege. The Qahira Hotel, a central hub for community meetings, suffered significant damage during the conflict, illustrating the ongoing instability in the region.
The attack on the hotel in central Somalia highlights the continued threat posed by Al Shabaab, with local officials and community leaders being targeted amid efforts to combat their influence. The tragic loss of life and ongoing siege underscore the fragile security situation in Somalia, as government forces continue their struggle against militant groups.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
